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Printable Version Immune Globulin SC, SCIG, IGSC Injection

Active Ingredients: Immune Globulin SC, SCIG, IGSC Injection
Representative Names: Vivaglobin

What is Immune Globulin SC, SCIG, IGSC injection?
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
How should this medicine be used?
What if I miss a dose?
What drug(s) may interact with Immune Globulin SC, SCIG, IGSC?
What side effects may I notice from receiving Immune Globulin SC, SCIG, IGSC?
What should I watch for while taking Immune Globulin SC, SCIG, IGSC?
Where can I keep my medicine?

What is Immune Globulin SC, SCIG, IGSC injection? (Back to top)
IMMUNE GLOBULIN SC (SCIG, IGSC, Vivaglobin®) helps to prevent or reduce the severity of certain infections. It is used in patients who are at an increased risk of infection. It also is used as replacement therapy in people who do not produce enough immune globulin. Immune globulin SC contains human antibodies or proteins that provide immunity. The antibodies or proteins are collected from the pooled blood of many individuals, then tested and treated to prevent the transmission of hepatitis or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV or AIDS). Generic immune globulin SC injections are not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•bleeding disorder, like hemophilia
•immunoglobulin A deficiency
•taking blood thinners
•an unusual reaction to immune globulin, human immunoglobulin products, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used? (Back to top)
Your health care professional will determine if home use of Immune globulin SC is appropriate for you. If so, you will be given instructions on the proper use of this medicine. An infusion pump may be used to help administer the medicine. If an infusion pump is to be used, you will be instructed on how to use and maintain the pump. This medicine is usually injected into the skin of the abdomen (stomach area), thighs, upper arms, and/or the side of the hip. Your health care professional will advise you where it is best to inject yourself. You will receive information on how to treat any serious side effects from this medication. You may also be asked to maintain a treatment diary.

Always check the appearance of your medicine before using it. The appearance can vary from colorless to light brown. Do not use the medicine if it is cloudy or has solid particles. Allow the solution to reach room temperature before injecting it. DO NOT SHAKE the vial of medicine.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
It is important to administer this medicine at regular intervals as prescribed by your health care professional. This medicine is usually given once a week. If you have been instructed to use this medicine on a regular schedule, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Immune Globulin SC, SCIG, IGSC? (Back to top)
•live virus vaccines, like measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), rotavirus, and varicella

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Immune Globulin SC, SCIG, IGSC? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•chills
•fever
•difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing
•dizziness
•drop in blood pressure
•flushing
•hives, rash, or itching
•increased sweating
•irregular heartbeat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•cough or sore throat
•diarrhea
•headache
•nausea, vomiting
•pain and tenderness at the injection site
•tiredness

What should I watch for while taking Immune Globulin SC, SCIG, IGSC? (Back to top)
Because this medicine is made pooled blood samples of many donors, it is theoretically possible that viruses or bacteria could be transmitted through it. Since 1985, however, all products are tested for HIV and hepatitis, and there have been no reports of illnesses being caused from the use of this medicine. It is also possible, but unlikely, that it could contain enough antibodies to HIV to cause a false-positive HIV test.

Do not have vaccinations for at least 14 days before, or until at least 3 months after receiving this immune globulin.

If you have redness or swelling at the injection site, gentle massage or applying warmth may help.

Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top)
Store in the refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze. Keep vials in storage box until ready to use. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Last Updated:04/10/2006

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY©
GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

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